Published Jun 8, 2006
weytn
43 Posts
I applied for the RN program which was my first choice. I also applied for the Respiratory Care program as a plan B.
I got in the Respiratory Care program, they want me to send a letter of intent back in. I know in my heart the RN program will be a wait, I have some friends that have been waiting and some that moved on to other programs and are working.
I am really getting burnt out at my job of 6 years and I want to do something in the medical field and help others.
Now I am scared , I know I will find a job as a nurse quicker and nursing is more diversified. My sister and a few of my aunts are also nurses. But I need to get on with it. I have 2 kids in elementary school, I am in my mid 30's and I don't know how long it will take to get in the program here, get through and get back to work. I just started my pre-req's last semester and the wait list is over 200 and only 40 slots.
The RC program took me because of my NET scores and my gpa, but the nursing program relies heavily on science and bio classes, which I am just now taking nutrition and am slated to take Anatomy and Physiology I in the fall.
Thanks for listening I would appreciate any input as to what course of action you would take in my situation. Sorry this is so long
NoWaNrN, ASN, RN
219 Posts
could you get into an LPN program, and then go for the RN? I know its easier to get into the program here like that.
WannaBeMaleRN
168 Posts
Did they give a reason why you didnt get in? I would just do what you need to do and reapply if thats really what you want to do is become a RN.
nursecher
312 Posts
It is a very hard decision. I am so sorry that you did not get in on your first try. Many others here have gone through the same thing. If being an RN is that important to you, you should continue pursuing it.
The respitory school is an option that you will have to decide on your own. It sounds to me like you are still new in the game and once you get those science classes done, if you keep a good GPA, you should have no problem getting in for the next year.
Good Luck in whatever you decide.
1rn2b
5 Posts
I applied at 3 different schools and they all turned me down because I had grades that were not up to par from 13 years ago. I fianlly had to go through the appeals board and got in about 3 weeks before school was to start back in the Spring of 2004. I graduated on May 6 and took boards last Friday. It can be done so don't give up until you reach your goal. Try the LPN program as another nurse suggested. Good luck......
I applied to the LPN program also. I got a letter from them last month saying I did not get in and I would remain on their list. They said my scores were good, but I needed to take ANP1, ANP2 and Nutrition for extra points or have work experience as a CNA for extra points because they have a waiting list as well. I am taking Nutrition now, I still have ANP 1& 2 to go.
Thanks for the replies.
I called one of the local hospital to see if they would let me volunteer or shadow a respiratory therapist and a Nurse before school starts. Maybe that will help me decide.
ZASHAGALKA, RN
3,322 Posts
I say go w/ the RT program. It's in healthcare, it will provide you a decent salary to take care of your kids, and it will allow you the opportunity to bridge to RN later if that is your passion.
RT's make decent pay. And they are awesome healthcare providers - and they have a fairly neat job, also.
It's a snotty job. LOL. But, I don't see how that's much worse than a 'crappy' one, if you know what I mean.
RT is a better route than LPN for you, if you ask me. LPN is yet another application process with potential rebuff. You have RT school 'in hand'.
There are some distance learning centers, such as 'excelsior' that will allow you to bridge to RN at your own pace if you are already a healthcare professional. One of my RT co-workers is working through excelsior to become an RN right now.
Pray about it. But if you want my advice: do what will support your family now. I wouldn't turn down windows of opportunity unless you are positive the doors of opportunity will soon unlock for you. . .
That's my take.
(In ANY case, turn in the letter of intent. Even if you change your mind later, it adds to your buffer time. Unless there is a stated penalty for changing your mind AFTER you return the letter and before school starts, there is no harm to you in increasing your decision window. I'm confident that programs has 'alternate' lists and can fill your spot last minute, if need be.)
~faith,
Timothy.
tofutti
140 Posts
The closest hospital to me lists the pay range for RT's at $23 to $33 an hour. RN's start around $26. Not much difference there. Just some info.
Thanks for all the advice and information, I really appreciate everyone's input. I have turned in my letter of intent. I was crushed when I got my LPN rejection letter, I don't know how many more of those I can take .
I have prayed about it and will continue to do so. I did not consider the possibility of a bridge program in the future Thanks again for the words of wisdom.
summerland5
62 Posts
I think you should go for the lpn if you really prefer the nursing route. nursing was your 1st choiceafter all and the job opps are much greater. how many RP are hired compared to nurses? prob 1 for every 10-20 nurse or worse. lpn school is easy to get into, lasts only 15mos, you can get financial aid and go to public or private school, and can later work while you advance to RN, BSN,MSN, etc. whatever route you go, good luck!
you just need to get a TABE or cOMPASS study guide and study it for the test and TRY AGAIN!! i passed the test on my first try-i bought the TABE book and studied after the admissions counselor told me that 80% of people failed the entrance test. please try for the nursing! RP is pretty hard and i think u should go for what you really wanted. follow your heart! :redbeathe all the best to you
minnielynn
189 Posts
I applied to the LPN program also. I got a letter from them last month saying I did not get in and I would remain on their list. They said my scores were good, but I needed to take ANP1, ANP2 and Nutrition for extra points or have work experience as a CNA for extra points because they have a waiting list as well.
It seems to me that you are applying to the RN program without any science classes, unless I am not reading your post correctly. The schools that I have attended to require that you take at LEAST API before applying. I would suggest taking API and then applying to both the RN & LPN and take if from there. Good luck on your decision;)